STATE PANEL ON POLITICAL PRACTICES MEETS IN S.D.

The state’s Fair Political Practices Commission meets in San Diego Thursday as part of Chairwoman Ann Ravel’s quest to bring more attention to the watchdog panel.

The agency’s five-member board is conducting only its second meeting this year away from its Sacramento headquarters.

“Our entire purpose is to inform the public about political activities, be transparent and make disclosures about public officials and their finances,” Ravel said. “We tend to get the same handful of people at our meetings in Sacramento, and I think it’s important that more people get a chance to become more familiar with the commission and what we do.”

The commission meeting begins at 10 a.m. at the County Administration Center at 1600 Pacific Highway.

The commission oversees investigations of the Political Reform Act, imposes penalties when appropriate and assists state and local agencies in enforcement of conflict-of-interest codes.

A key item Thursday is discussion about finding a new executive director. Agency attorney John Wallace has filled the role in an acting capacity for the past several months after being appointed in February to replace Roman Porter, who left the agency last year.

Penalties also are a big part of the agenda as the commission is set to approve or discuss 70 fines to campaigns, candidates, lobbyists and public officials.

Highlighting the list is Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who is being hit with a $37,500 fine for missing deadlines to report numerous cash gifts solicited for various entities tied to his mayoral duties.

The commission also is expected to approve an agreement with former San Diego County District 3 supervisor candidate Carl Hilliard, who has agreed to a $1,500 fine for missing a deadline to report a $15,000 contribution he made to his campaign. Hilliard, a former mayor of Del Mar, did not make it beyond the June primary.